Cleaners and airway diseases.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Medicine
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Growing evidence over two decades links disinfectants and cleaning products (DCPs) to adverse respiratory effects.
• While the association between DCPs and asthma is established, specific causal agents require further identification.
• Emerging research explores links between DCPs and other chronic airway diseases, including COPD and chronic rhinitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize recent advancements concerning the impact of occupational DCP exposure on chronic airway diseases.
• To consolidate current understanding of DCPs' role in work-related respiratory conditions.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent epidemiological studies, often focusing on healthcare workers.
• Analysis of studies improving exposure assessment for specific DCPs.
• Synthesis of epidemiological and experimental data on DCPs and airway damage.

Main Results:

• Despite increased knowledge, the incidence of work-related asthma from DCPs has not declined, highlighting a need for enhanced prevention.
• New data indicate a correlation between occupational DCP exposure and conditions such as rhinitis, COPD, and diminished lung function.
• Numerous chemicals in DCPs are implicated in causing airway damage.

Conclusions:

• Prevention strategies should target a wide range of products due to the variety of airway-damaging chemicals in DCPs.
• Further investigation is necessary to fully understand DCP exposure's impact on occupational airway diseases beyond asthma.